There's no denying that Zion Williamson's talent has reached the front office of every NBA team. This, plus the fact that a number of sneaker outfits are running after the Duke Blue Devil for his signature will make any franchise the center of attraction. It's a fact that Zion brings to the game, and New Orleans is the latest team to join in the craze. They will, however, need to let go one of the best big men in the game today.
The basketball world was shocked when Anthony Davis' name was included in the potential list of players that would fit in the Lakers and join LeBron James. The team itself saw a potential overhaul just to sign Davis, dealing almost half of the team's young core. This became the very nail in the coffin that cost them a legitimate Playoffs berth and of course, ridicule from its critics. Davis on the other hand still headstrong in his plan to be traded to a team that will give him the opportunity to win a championship.
Word has it that the reason why the Pelicans deliberately delayed trading Davis is for the Boston Celtics to put their offer. Arguably, the Celtics are the best team that could offer a win-win trade package. Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News has other insights, though. In an interview with Brian Guiffra, Bondy said that New Orleans "would love" to trade Davis to the Knicks for Zion Williamson.
Things will get rocky for Knicks since Bondy only sees a window of 14% for New York to land Williamson. Despite being the worst team in the NBA, the Association has plans of revamping the rules of the Draft Lottery. By this, standings will have little effect of having the No. 1 pick. The Knicks are also planning to sign Kevin Durant this summer. If they did get Zion, trading him to the Pelicans for Davis will make for an "interesting debate."
What makes this trade - and the Knicks - as a bankable issue is that Davis, Bondy added, "is more ready to contribute to a winner". He added that while the Knicks will be maxing their offer to Davis, there is still a "difficult, although possible" chance that New York can still lure Kyrie Irving and play for Madison Square Garden.
Think of it as the Zion effect or whatnot, but the Pelicans will put on every move to sign the future superstar. This will also put Davis in a situation where multiple teams, particularly New York, will offer him max contracts for his services. The Pelicans are looking to rebuild their team with young talent, and Zion should be a perfect fit in this situation.
